Here’s a list of some of the most beautiful Balkan drives that every road tripper should add to their bucket list and cross off as soon as possible. A set of brainchildren from our local experts who have explored every nook and corner in this region, excited to share their recommendations with you.

For this reason, as a local agency specializing in tailor-made tours through the Balkan Peninsula, we have Fly & Drive tours to offer independent travelers who do not want to have a driver-guide with them throughout the whole journey. We are able to provide an itinerary, arrange flights, rent a car for you, book accommodation en-route, and include key tourist attractions. We will also create an individual booklet of dramatization with useful information and tips that will help you on your journey before letting you venture off independently.

Let’s get ready to plan your road trip to the Balkans! Get your bags packed, download that playlist, because we’ve got everything else covered. A selection of the most beautiful roads in Slovenia, Croatia, and much more awaits you in the Balkan countries; continue reading below for more.

VRŠIČ PASS

The Vršč Pass, at 1,611 meters, is arguably one of Slovenia’s most scenic roads due to the breathtaking views of the towering Julian Alps. Because this pass is such a beauty, a lot of people come through during summer months, so it is best to visit during autumn when colors are more vibrant, making the experience even more magical.

This road connects the Soča and Sava valleys and was built by Russian prisoners of war during WWI. In March 1916, in one of the many tragedies that took place on this stretch of road, 110 soldiers were killed while trying to keep the road passable from constant avalanches. Later that year, their fellow inmates built a small wooden chapel in the traditional Russian style, which still survives alongside the road just a few kilometers from Kranjska Gora.

ADRIATIC HIGHWAY

Since the completion of the motorway between Croatia’s largest cities, Zagreb and Split, the Adriatic Highway has lost its status as a major north-south route. But that’s made driving along the Adriatic an even more agreeable experience.

Now, imagine meandering along from Rijeka to Kotor, 650 kilometers with the sparkling azure sea always to the right. This road traverses three countries: Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It crosses some of the most stunning destinations in the region, such as Zadar and Dubrovnik. That quintessential reason is pretty fair for this nostalgic route to be referred to as the Balkans’ version of Route 66.

Most scenic roads in the Balkans according to local experts

PANORAMIC ROAD OVER BAY OF KOTOR

Most people’s highlight is the spectacular Bay of Kotor, though many tourists off large cruise ships simply spend a few hours wandering the historic Venetian towns of Kotor and Perast. To really experience the majesty of Europe’s southernmost fjord, as the Bay of Kotor is often called, you need to head to higher ground for a bird’s-eye view. This is best done by taking the twisting road up to Lovćen National Park for a truly exhilarating drive with spectacular vistas on virtually every turn. En route, one can discover Montenegro’s rich history; stops will include the royal capital of Cetinje and the mausoleum of national hero Petar II Petrović Njegoš atop Jezerski Vrh, 1,657 meters above sea level.

GALIČICA NATIONAL PARK

Lying across the borders of Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece are the famous twin lakes: Ohrid and Prespa. Divided by the rugged and rock-strewn massif of Galičica, which has been a protected national park since 1958, these lakes are Twin Natural Wonders.

This narrow, mediocre road connecting the two lakes over this karst mountain ridge gives breathtaking views, where every bump is well deserved. Galičica National Park is among the most beautiful drive routes, not only in North Macedonia but also across the whole Balkan Peninsula. The best part of all? It remains pretty much untouched by tourist crowds.

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FOLLOW THE NERETVA RIVER

The road between two of Bosnia’s top tourist destinations, Sarajevo and Mostar, is a destination unto itself. The most dramatic part of this two-hour drive follows the strikingly green Neretva River from Konjic to Mostar. En route, it slices through two dramatic canyons and flows over the expansive agricultural valley near Jablanica.

You will be struck by the green surroundings and the even greener river accompanying you on this trip. When you are done with Mostar, just follow the river as it winds its way to its stunning delta, not far from where it meets the Adriatic Sea. En route, make sure not to miss the better part of the town, perched on slopes above the river, called Počitelj. This scenic road also features on our week-long tour of the Balkans.

TRANSFĂGĂRĂȘAN

It was known to some as “the Road to the Sky,” built in the 1970s for military purposes, ordered by the notorious communist leader of Romania, Ceausescu. It’s a paved mountain road crossing the Southern Carpathians, connecting the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia, comprising 5 tunnels, 27 viaducts, and an impressive 831 small bridges. Standing at 2,042 meters, this is the second-highest mountain pass in Romania, after the Transalpina. Because of its altitude, this road is commonly covered with snow from October until June, so one is forewarned in case one’s trip to Romania falls at a time outside the season.

Explore the scenic roads in the Balkans on personalized fly & drive trips 

ALBANIAN RIVIERA

If you’re planning a longer Balkan trip, driving along Albania’s Ionian coastline is a natural extension from the Adriatic Highway previously mentioned. Some of the most scenic roads travel between the popular tourist towns of northern Vlorë and southern Sarandë. This three-hour drive takes you across the fantastic Llogara Pass, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise sea before descending towards Himarë, where you will have an opportunity to stop and visit the Himarë Castle. There is ample opportunity to swim along the route, and highly recommended is the beautiful, partially-secluded Gjipe Beach. Just keep in mind that you have to walk, like, 20 minutes to get there since the beach is not car-accessible. It is totally worth it, though!

SOLČAVA PANORAMIC ROAD

To round off our list of most beautiful roads in the Balkans, let’s go back to Slovenia. A wee bit off the beaten path, this one requires a rough-terrain-capable car—or you can hike—since the most stunning part of the Socava Panoramic Road comes to a length of 21 kilometers and can be done in one day. It offers beautiful views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Logarska Valley below. With its traditional architecture, you will be charmed by its picturesque pastoral landscapes. If you feel hungry, you can take a stop at any of the tourist farms that lie right along the road and try truly traditional Slovene fare.

Is a Fly & Drive tour through Slovenia, Croatia, or another stunning Balkan destination something that appeals to you? Contact our team at Zadvanturo on info@zadvanturo.com for more details on how multiple countries can combine into one great trip. We will also be happy to take you through what you need to know before driving in the Balkans. Though there are a couple of administrative details to remember, such as getting a green card upon entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina, we will arrange the paperwork for you. Just lean back and enjoy those stunning scenic routes highlighted above.